Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the bona fides of the Minister of State but unfortunately we have learned over the years that unless provisions for the transparency of the process are enshrined in legislation so that any transfer of property or moneys is in the public domain, I do not accept there will be transparency.

In the past 24 to 40 hours, we have had an indication from a colleague in the House that he has information about the activities of another organisation which was established by legislation passed in this House. That legislation provided that the organisation would not be transparent and now it is alleged that difficulties have arisen out of that situation.

I accept that if it were left to the discretion of the Minister of State he would have no difficulty in ensuring the transparency of the process and making public any transactions. However, I think they should be compelled by the legislation to do so, in the interests of transparency. I must insist on this point.